The application of psychoanalysis to sociology must definitely guard against the mistake of wanting to give psychoanalytic answers where economic, technical, or political facts provide the real and sufficient explanation of sociological questions. On the other hand, the psychoanalyst must emphasize that the subject of sociology, society, in reality consists of individuals, and that it is these human beings, rather than abstract society as such, whose actions, thoughts, and feelings are the object of sociological research.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Psychoanalysis should not override economic or political explanations in sociology, but must focus on individuals rather than abstract society.
- In plain terms
- Use economics to explain society, but remember society is made of real people with feelings.
- What can you take from it?
- Balance structural facts with individual human experiences in social research.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do individuals shape society?
- When does economics explain behavior?
Another view
It may understate the power of systemic forces over individual agency.
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